Walking Together 2016

Saturday September 17 saw 40 people take part in the annual Walking Together fundraiser for Trust Links. Starting at the Growing Together Shoeburyness garden with a warm up session it took around two hours for everyone to reach the mid-way point at Growing Together Westcliff where refreshments were waiting. Sainsbury’s Westcliff supplied no end of pastries as it has voted Trust Links its local charity for the year and from here everyone set off along Prittlewell Brook to Belfairs Woods. At around 1.30 the first people through the gate, Vicky Loftus of Leigh on Sea and Jen Smith from Southend were the first to complete the entire 12 mile walk. Those taking part included entire families, supporters of those with mental health issues, members, staff and even the Chief Executive Matt King who was joined at Westcliff by Castle Point Borough Council Leader Cllr Colin Riley. Cllr Riley and his collegue Cllr Tom Skipp said: "It’s a delight to take part in something so fantastic. We at Castle Point are keen supporters of Trust Links which now has its third garden just behind the council offices. The therapeutic gardens are open to all and offer a real gem for everyone in the local community to use.
Matt King added: "This is our big annual fundraiser and I’m just so pleased that so many people continue to sign up and get their walking boots on every year. The weather has been ideal for walking and I just want to thank everyone who took part and make this possible year on year.”